Macon-Bibb County was recognized nationally for its video production! On Wednesday, May 22, Public Relations Specialist Olivia Walter received a 2024 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award for her Macon Music Half Marathon promotional video. The video placed Second in the

The video was one of the 100 winners National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) recognized in New Orleans this week. Walter, who directed, shot, and produced the video, received the award in front of hundreds of her communicator peers who were attending the NAGC conference.

“This video was really fun to make because we had so many people from the community involved,” said Walter. “It's an honor to have it recognized and for other communities around the country to see how wonderful Macon-Bibb County is!”

The 11 minute-long video showed Mayor Lester Miller “running” across Macon-Bibb’s music landmarks while picking up community members to run with him. The video was aimed to get people to sign up for the first-ever Macon Music Half Marathon. You can watch it here.

"I'm so proud of Olivia and the team. The amount of creativity, coordination, and work that went into the planning and shooting of this video was astounding," said Chief Communications Officer Chris Floore. "This is the kind of communication that makes governments stand out and able to reach more people."

“Congratulations to all honorees on this well-deserved recognition from the National Association of Government Communicators,” NAGC Board President Tabitha Clark said. “This achievement represents your exceptional talent, hard work and dedication to excellence in government communication.”

In its first year, the half marathon boasted more than 600 people from 13 states and Washington, DC registered, making it one of the largest races in the region, of any length. The race in 2024 is scheduled for November 16, and you can register by clicking here.

Hosting the race helped Macon-Bibb County be named a Runner Friendly Community by the Road Runners Club of America for the first time ever. The race was used in addition to years of improvements to the trail system, bike lanes, and roads to make them safer for everyone to use.

That includes bike lanes around Downtown and neighborhoods, expansion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trails, trails at Amerson River Park and Carolyn Crayton Park, a 12-mile run course with parking and gathering areas, the trails in the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and more. It also pointed out that many of the trails currently being developed or expanded will connect in the next few years to create a trail of 12-15 miles, allowing there to be a half marathon that never crosses a road.